Medical Social Worker, MSW - Hospice - PRN
About the role
At VitalCaring, we believe hospice care is about more than managing symptoms—it’s about bringing comfort, dignity, support, and meaningful connection to patients and families during one of life’s most important journeys. As a Master’s Social Worker (MSW) in Hospice, you’ll provide essential emotional, psychosocial, and practical support to patients and their loved ones as they navigate terminal illness and end-of-life care. You’ll be an important part of the interdisciplinary hospice team, helping families cope, plan, connect with resources, and feel supported through every stage of the journey. Founded in 2021, VitalCaring is a leading home health and hospice provider with 100+ locations nationwide. Our mission is simple: to transform lives and foster hope through genuine caring. Our values guide everything we do: Trustworthy. Capable. Compassionate. Proactive. Called.
Responsibilities
- Assess the psychosocial needs of patients and families related to terminal illness, coping, family dynamics, and the home environment
- Provide counseling, emotional support, and guidance to patients and caregivers throughout the hospice journey
- Identify psychosocial risks and provide appropriate interventions and crisis support when needed
- Help patients and families navigate the emotional and practical challenges associated with end-of-life care
- Provide culturally sensitive support that recognizes each patient’s individual beliefs, traditions, values, and family dynamics
- Educate and assist patients and families with advance directives and healthcare decision-making
- Connect patients and families with community resources and support services
- Assist with practical needs related to financial, legal, healthcare, and funeral planning
- Serve as a trusted resource to patients and caregivers as needs evolve throughout the hospice journey
- Participate in developing individualized plans of care with patients, families, and the interdisciplinary team
- Attend interdisciplinary group meetings and provide insight into psychosocial factors affecting the patient and family
- Partner with physicians, nurses, and other team members to support a holistic approach to end-of-life care
- Help the care team understand significant social and emotional factors related to terminal illness and death and dying
- Maintain accurate and timely clinical records, assessments, and progress notes
- Communicate patient and family needs with the interdisciplinary care team
- Serve as a liaison between patients, families, caregivers, and community agencies
- Participate in quality improvement activities and uphold professional and regulatory standards
Qualifications
- Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW)
- Meets applicable hospice personnel qualifications
- 1+ year of experience as an MSW in a hospice setting
- Understanding of hospice philosophy and issues related to death and dying
- Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and automobile insurance when making home visits
Skills
- Deep compassion and emotional intelligence
- Comfort supporting patients and families through terminal illness, grief, loss, and end-of-life decisions
- Ability to navigate complex family dynamics with empathy and professionalism
- Strong crisis intervention, counseling, and problem-solving skills
- Resourceful, collaborative, and solution-oriented approach
- Respect for diverse cultural beliefs, traditions, and perspectives
- A genuine calling to support patients and families through hospice care
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work tactfully with patients, families, caregivers, and community partners
Benefits
- Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage
- Pharmacy benefits
- Virtual care and mental health support
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA)
- Supplemental health and life insurance
- 401(k) with company match
- Employee referral program
- Prepaid legal services
- Identity theft protection
- Generous paid time off
- Pet insurance
- Tuition and continuing education reimbursement